Editor’s note: This is the latest in CNN.com’s ongoing “Tech Torture With Topher” video-blog series, in which we “torture” CNN.com staffer Topher Kohan by depriving him of a technological convenience for a week to see how he copes with it. This week, Topher must avoid all Web-based technology when he's outside of the office.

Day One is in the bag, and it went pretty well - except for the part Monday night where I had to briefly break the TTWT rules.

Until last night, I didn't realize how many times at home I just get up and go to the computer for no reason. I'd just sit in front of my computer and mindlessly surf the Web or log on to WoW and play - not because I really wanted to, but because it was there.

Several times last night I started for the computer, then caught myself and sat back down on the couch. I felt a little antsy - I didn't know quite what to do.

So instead I watched some TV and then read a book before I went to bed. Yeah, I was in bed and asleep a lot earlier than usual - not a bad thing, really. I could always use more sleep. Can't we all.

I confess: I did have to break the rules for half an hour last night because of the death of Patrick Swayze, which was big news on the Web. Because I'm the search-engine optimization guy for CNN.com, I sometimes have to do my job at all hours. Once I was done, though, I logged right off.

So far I'm noticing myself getting to work earlier and staying later to get stuff done I would have taken care of at home. But it's all good.

So what do you all think? Is this way too easy? Do you ever disconnect from the Web once in a while?

Let me know in the comments below or check out the conversation on Twitter (Topheratl). Thanks for reading!

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B Bagby

September 15th, 2009 8:11 pm ET

Okay, this really falls under the "Cruel and unusual" heading. Hat's off to you for making it this long! I tried over the summer while on vacation... I only made it a couple of days!
Suggestions: Maybe wander over to a coffee shop and sit with a cup o' joe and a book or two? Dig up some old friends and head out for dinner and a movie? Take a long drive (walk, bike ride). Or, draw a bunch of websites with crayons and flip back and fourth between them to get your fix?

The theme is decidedly lost; Topher cannot escape the CNN job !
But how to remake Topher's life ?
Diet, exercise, social activities, and other suggestions.
How to survive the stress of being a domesticated pawn on the job ?

Billy Budd STFU! I know exacty what Topher is talking about. I do the same thing pretty much on a daily basis when I get home from work. I'll actually have to try, to not to get online at night. Its almost like a drug that you can't get off of with out help.

My Christmas favorites iludcne Long Kiss Goodnight. I mean, truck bombing the Christmas parade, greeting the psycho assasion with rocket launcher with a bowl of Christmas candy? A Christmas present for the kidnapped kid a the Niagara Falls getaway? Too cool! Not to mention breaking the deer's neck with flashing Christmas earrings!

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